The State Bank of India (SBI) has issued a fraud alert warning customers against fake messages claiming that the YONO banking application would be deactivated because Aadhaar details were not updated in linked accounts.
In an advisory issued through its official handle on X, formerly Twitter, SBI cautioned users against falling for fraudulent messages and suspicious download links circulated through SMS, emails and messaging platforms.
The bank said scammers were sending fake notifications falsely claiming that customers’ YONO accounts would be blocked or deactivated due to pending Aadhaar updates.
The warning comes amid growing concern over cyber fraud and impersonation scams targeting digital banking users.
SBI clarified that such messages are fraudulent and urged customers not to act on them.
“Scammers are sending fake messages claiming your YONO app will be deactivated as Aadhaar number is not updated in your account. Don’t fall for it,” the bank said in its advisory.
The bank further advised customers not to download applications from unknown links or APK files received through unsolicited emails, SMS or WhatsApp messages, warning that such files may expose users to malware, phishing attempts and theft of banking credentials.
SBI Safety Advisory
• Ignore fake YONO deactivation messages
• Do not click suspicious links
• Avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources
• Use official app stores only
• Verify messages through SBI’s official channels
• Report suspicious activity immediately
SBI urged users to download the YONO application only through official app stores or access services through the bank’s official website.
“Stay alert. Stay secure. Always download YONO App only from official app stores or visit sbi.bank.in/web/yono/home,” the advisory added.
Cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that fraudsters increasingly exploit KYC, Aadhaar and banking-update narratives to trick customers into revealing personal details, OTPs and login credentials.
Digital fraud and impersonation scams have remained a growing challenge across India’s banking ecosystem, with cybercriminals often posing as bank officials or service providers to gain unauthorized access to financial information.
Customers have been advised to verify communications through official banking channels and immediately report suspicious activity. [KNT]
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